Student Outcry and Protests
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On Monday, 4 August, students marched to the student centre demanding the expulsion of the accused. One student said,
“I used to share a room with him. He was a cool guy. I'm really shocked that he's being accused of attempted rape.” (Daily Sun) -
UL’s Student Representative Council (SRC) voiced strong opposition to the university’s decision to keep the suspect anonymous. SRC Deputy President Portia Dube criticized the move, stating it “protects perpetrators through silence” and risks retraumatizing survivors. She questioned whether the university is “student‑centred or image‑centred.” (Daily Sun)
University’s Position and Investigation
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UL spokesperson Victor Kgomoeswana confirmed the student has been suspended effective 4 August, pending disciplinary proceedings. The university emphasised its commitment to supporting the survivor through its Gender Desk and Student Counselling and Development Centre. (limpopochronicle.co.za)
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UL stated a full investigation is underway and assured that both the victim’s and accused’s perspectives will be considered before any verdict is reached. (Daily Sun)
Police Update and Legal Status
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Despite the university having opened an internal case, the Mankweng police confirmed no attempted rape case has been formally registered. The same student did appear in court in July 2025 for a separate robbery charge and is currently out on bail. (Daily Sun)
Broader Implications and Context
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Students and the SRC argue that obscuring the accused's identity undermines public trust and fails to communicate that serious allegations such as gender-based violence are being treated with transparency. (Daily Sun)
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The lack of a police case underscores a gap between university-level processes and formal criminal investigations—raising concerns about survivor protection, justice, and institutional accountability.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Summary |
|---|---|
| Accused | Male student suspended by UL; no name disclosed |
| Incident Date | Alleged 27 July 2025 in student accommodation |
| Student Reaction | SRC-led protests on campus calling for expulsion |
| University Position | Supports survivor; suspended accused; gender and counselling services activated |
| Legal Status | No police case opened for attempted rape; accused previously charged with robbery and released on bail |
Why This Matters
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Transparency vs. Confidentiality
The case highlights a tension between preserving the anonymity of the accused and offering transparency to build trust—particularly within GBV-related university proceedings. -
Institutional Trust
Students question whether the university's actions reflect a priority for institutional image over survivor-centred justice. -
GBV Accountability
The case raises broader questions around how higher education institutions address allegations of gender-based violence—especially in environments already grappling with survivor support and disciplinary practices.
UL’s approach, including the choice to conceal the accused’s identity, has sparked a larger conversation on fairness, transparency, and student trust. While the university maintains that survivor welfare and procedural integrity are priorities, critics argue that accountability must include open information on actions taken. The absence of formal police involvement further complicates the matter, spotlighting potential gaps in justice mechanisms linking universities to law enforcement.
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